legislation being debated in Congress has the potential to destroy the internet as we have come to know it.

If passed, SOPA would require internet providers to block access to sites in other countries hosting stolen intellectual property (IP) from the U.S. It also puts any site that contains even an accidental link to a protected IP at risk for legal action.

Stolen IP is a very broad, and vague term. It covers pirated software and movies, but it could also include artwork that's been uploaded, or counterfeit handbags being sold on the web.

Most of our favorite sites rely on user generated content and links to sites that might have protected IP on them. This means that some of your favorite websites may cease to exist.